WEATHER REPORT
T
he total rainfall received during 2018 was 1408.4 mm with 82 rainy days. It was observed that 2018 received about 9.41 % less rainfall than the normal (1554.8 mm). The total rainfall received during Pre- Monsoon (March –May) and Monsoon (June- September) were 238.7 mm and 1012.7 mm respectively, which were respectively 24.38 % and 3.88 % less than the normal. The post- monsoon (October- December) received rainfall of about 127 mm, about 18 % less than normal. The highest amount of rainfall in a single day was recorded on 4th June (129.0mm) which was followed by 28th June (63.6mm). The total evaporation was about 1043 mm, with the highest evaporation in the month of April (116.1 mm) and lowest in January (50.4 mm).2018 recorded an increase in temperature with higher maximum temperature and decrease in minimum temperature over the months compare to normal. The highest recorded maximum temperature was 36.20C (20th June) whereas the lowest recorded minimum temperature was 5.70C (29th January). The maximum and minimum relative humidity were also observed higher than the normal over the months, with an average increase of 13.40 % and 13.1 % respectively.
The lowest and highest wind speeds were observed in the month of January (0.613 kmph) and April (1.609 kmph) respectively. The highest wind speed in a single day was recorded on 17th March with 2.767 kmph. The average soil temperature recorded at 5cm, 10cm, 15cm and 20cm depth showed a decreasing trend along with the depth.
Fig 1. Monthwise total rainfall
Fig 2. Monthwise total evaporation
Fig 3. Month wise variation of maximum temperature
Fig 4. Month wise variation of minimum temperature
Fig 5. Month wise variation of maximum Relative Humidity (%)
Fig 6. Month wise variation of minimum Relative Humidity (%)
AGRONOMY
Development of low cost, low volume and ecofriendly nutrient management practices for Jhum farming
The experiment conducted in existing Jhum cultivation practices (Mix cropping system) revealed that the crop receiving of Organic manures (2.5 t/ha) + Spraying of 2% DAP + Bio fertilizers (Azospiriium /Rhizobium) recorded the highest yield of Rice (2550 kg/ha), Maize (1800 kg/ha), soybean (1631 kg/ha) which was closely followed by the application of Organic manures (2.5 t/ha) + Micro dosing of NPK (17-17-17), 20 kg/ha + Bio fertilizers, Rice (2050 kg/ha), Maize (1840 kg/ha), soybean (1352 kg/ha).
However, the highest yield of ground nut (1510 kg/
ha) was recorded in the crop receiving Lime (250 kg/
ha) + Bio fertilizers + Micro dosing of NPK (17-17- 17) which was followed by application of lime Lime (250 kg/ha) + Bio fertilizers 20 kg/ha (1185 kg/ha).
The experiment conducted in improved Jhum cultivation practices (Strip cropping with line sowing system) revealed that the crop receiving of lime + Bio fertilizers (Azospiriium /Rhizobium) + micro-dosing of NPK (17-17-17) recorded the highest yield of Rice (3150 kg/ha), Maize (2350 kg/ha), soybean (2370 kg/
ha) and groundnut (1790 kg/ha) which was closely followed by the application of Organic manures (2.5 t/ha) + Micro dosing of NPK (17-17-17), 20 kg/ha + Bio fertilizers in Rice (2500 kg/ha) and Maize (1950 kg/ha), However the batter yield of soybean (1700 kg/ha) groundnut (1650 kg/ha) were recorded in the crop receiving lime (250 kg/ha) + Bio fertilizers (Azospiriium /Rhizobium)
The effect of Improved Jhum management practices was found to be influenced positively on the yield of soybean (45%), Groundnut (18.5%), Maize (30.5%) and rice (40%) irrespective of other nutrient management practices under the study.
AICRP on Oilseed
Varietal Evaluation trials of Sesame
Six varieties of Sesame viz. Saviti, Amrit, Prachi, TKG-3018, GT-10 and TRC TIL 1-8 were evaluated for their performance in Yield. The result reveals that among all the varieties of sesame variety, TRC TIL 1-8 recorded the highest yield with 1.3 t/ha followed by Savitri (1.1 t/ha).
Varietal Evaluation trials on Sunflower
Four varieties of Sunflower were evaluated for their yield performance in foot hill of Nagaland.
The result reveals that among all the varieties the Sunflower variety KBHS (1430 kg/ha) recorded highest yield which was followed by sunflower variety, LSFH-171 (1347 kg /ha).
Network Project on Organic Farming
Evaluation of maize varieties under organically managed nutrient management practices:
Six varieties of Maize viz., VMH-45, VMH- 46, VMH-53, VMV-76, RCM-76 and RCM-1-2 were evaluated under Organic nutrient management practices. The result reveals that among all the varieties, the maize variety VMH-53 (6.40 t/ha) recorded highest yield followed by VMH-45 (6.10 t/
ha). However, among organic nutrient management practices the crop receiving 7.5 tonne organic manure (50% FYM + 50% poultry manure) recorded highest yield of maize (5.30 t/ha) irrespective of varieties.
Evaluation of Rice varieties under organically managed nutrient management practices
Ten varieties of upland varieties of Rice, SARS- 1, SARS-2, SARS-3, SARS-5, SARS-7, SARS-8, SARS-9, SARS-10 and Bhalum-3 were evaluated under organic nutrient management practices. Among all the varieties, the paddy variety, Bhalum-3 (3.25 t/
ha) recorded the highest yield followed by SARS-8 (2.30 t/ha). However, application of 5 t/ha of organic manure recorded highest yield irrespective of all varieties under the study.
Fig 7. Nutrient management in Maize
Fig 8. Nutrient management in Rice
Integrated Nutrient management on Maize Different sources of organic manures and doses of inorganic nutrient management practices were evaluated for development of nutrient management practices of Maize variety, All-rounder). The result reveals that application of 5t/ha (FYM) along with 50% of RDF (80-60-40 N, P205 and K2O kg/ha) was found to economically viable and recorded the higher yield of maize (4.6t/ha).
Planting geometry and its effect on growth and yield of Maize+ green gram intercropping system
Experiment conducted to study the planting geometry in Maize+ green gram cropping system reveals that growing of maize with green gram in 1:1 additive series recorded the highest maize equivalent yield (6.40t/ha), total income (Rs.143300) and income from cropping system which was closely followed by growing of maize with green gram in 1:1 replacement series. Inclusion of green gram with maize was found to increase in soil organic carbon content from 0.5-1% in the first year experiment Effect of different sources of organic manures and fertilizers of growth and yield of groundnut
Experiment result reveals that among different sources of organic manure, the crop receiving poultry manure (2.5t/ha) recorded the highest yield of groundnut (2750 kg/ha). However, the application of poultry manures (2.5t/ha) + recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF= 20-60-40 kg/ha Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potash) recorded the highest yield (3640 kg/ha) of groundnut.
SOIL SCIENCE
Management of Citrus Rhizosphere using multifaceted microbial consortium against Citrus Decline in Acidic Soils of NEH Region
Two orchards located in Ngwalwa, Peren District and ICAR Nagaland Centre, Dimapur District was selected for the microbial consortium treatments. Two types of microbial consortiums were used (1) Native type (CAU Microbial Consortium, CPGS, CAU) and (2) Non-Native (Arka Consortium, IIHR, Bangalore). The treatment combinations were T1: Control (Rhizosphere application of Vermicompost); T2: Rhizosphere Soil Application of Arka Microbial Consortium; T3: Rhizosphere Soil + Foliar application of Arka Microbial Consortium;
T4: Rhizosphere Soil Application of CAU Microbial Consortium; and T5: Rhizosphere Soil + Foliar application of CAU Microbial Consortium and the treatments were replicated 4 times.
Fig 9. Rhizospheric application of Microbial consortium
Fig 10. Foliar application of microbial consortium
The result of the microbial consortium treatments showed that the performance of treatments T3 and T5 were found to be better with the visual observation from zero fruiting to the initiation of fruiting after the application of the microbial consortiums. The significant (P≤0.05) increase in soil organic carbon and available nitrogen were observed in T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatments. From this experiment it can be concluded that the timely application of microbial consortiums and at regular intervals can significantly improved the nutrient content in the soil in addition to plant health improvement and yield of the citrus.
It can also be concluded that for the first time in this research in NEH region the microbial consortiums have been used for the nutrient management by two methods i.e. foliar and the rhizosphere application in the Citrus plants.
Soil health analysis of IFS models
Soil samples have been collected from the 5 types of IFS models located in ICAR Nagaland centre farm at 3 different depths. Some of the soil nutrient content parameters are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Soil nutrient content in different IFS models
Models Depths pH EC mS/m SOC (%) DOC
µg g-1 (dw) soil Avail. N
(kg/ha) Avail. K (kg/ha)
Model 1 0-15 5.95 0.069 0.72 1058.63 161.0 548.8
15-30 5.17 0.039 0.58 958.40 130.0 521.9
30-45 4.96 0.033 0.50 676.07 111.5 470.4
Model 2 0-15 5.07 0.046 0.91 687.71 204.8 182.6
15-30 5.01 0.038 0.80 667.54 179.6 128.8
30-45 4.97 0.055 0.77 353.76 173.4 121.0
Model 3 0-15 5.31 0.300 2.09 1100.29 470.6 593.6
15-30 5.20 0.117 0.83 890.37 185.8 560.0
30-45 5.22 0.112 0.74 872.92 167.2 504.0
Model 4 0-15 5.10 0.046 0.99 1173.98 222.9 566.7
15-30 5.06 0.038 0.88 411.63 198.2 312.5
30-45 5.04 0.030 0.55 771.82 123.9 237.4
Model 5 0-15 5.39 0.031 0.83 1053.44 185.8 303.5
15-30 5.15 0.018 0.52 987.32 117.7 149.0
30-45 5.06 0.016 0.17 931.38 37.2 153.4
CROP IMPROVEMENT
Evaluation of Upland rice germplasms
During cropping season 2018, 210 rice germplasms were grown under upland condition for study of yield and yield attributes and grain quality tests. The plants were harvested during Oct- Dec depending on the duration of the respective germplasm. Data taken includes plant height at harvest, panicle length, and straw yield. Number of filled grains per panicle, filled grain percentage, test weight and grain yield, grain length and width (decorticated and un-decorticated), GT, GC, amylose content and aroma tests have started. Seed germination for DNA extraction and subsequent genotyping of Nagaland rice germplasm has been initiated.
PPV & FRA
Under this project DUS characterization of 22 varieties consisting of 10 farmers’ varieties and 12 check varieties was conducted. All total 63 characteristics were studied during 2018 kharif season. A number of 85 Farmers’ varieties were collected (freshly) from different districts of Nagaland and are in the process of registration and seed packaging.
Fig 11. Evaluation of upland rice germplasm
Fig 12. DUS Testing of Farmers variety
PLANT PATHOLOGY
All India Coordinated Research Project on Mushroom, Nagaland Centre
Collection, identification and conservation of wild edible mushrooms
During the3 period, around 33 naturally growing seasonal mushrooms were collected and documented from Nagaland. Out of which, 16 mushroom were categorized under edible mushroom. The passport data of edible mushroom was recorded and submitted to the DMR, Solan along with culture for preservation. The photographs of edible mushrooms collected mentioned in Fig 13.
NL-18/1
NL-18/15
NL-18/21
NL-18/28
NL-18/3
NL-18/16
NL-18/24
NL-18/29
NL-18/4
NL-18/19
NL-18/25
NL-18/30
NL-18/5
NL-18/20
NL-18/27
NL-18/32 Fig 13. Wild edible/non-edible mushroom
collected during the period
The mushroom specimen collected from Nagaland were cultured and submitted to DMR, Solan and accession number has been issued for the 9 culturable mushrooms.
Yield trials for identification of Pleurotus species suitable for Nagaland
The Pleurotus species were evaluated for yield/100kg of dry substrate of paddy straw. The maximum yield of 49.55 kg of mushroom recorded in PL-17-12 and it was on par with PL-17-09 (46.17 kg) strain. The significant different was observed in
other strains of Pleurotus species. The lease yield of 30.79 kg was reported in PL-17-06. The minimum time taken for first harvest of 25 days was recorded in PL-17-12 which was highly significantly different with other strains. The maximum pileus size of 7.67 cm was recorded in PL-17-09. The stipe length of 2.64 cm and stipe thickness of 1.33 cm was recorded in PL-17-07.
Fig 14. Identification and evaluation of Pleurotus species for higher yield in
Nagaland
Screening of upland land rice lines against Rice blast under field condition
In the present study a set of 46 upland rice lines were evaluated for the blast resistance using uniform blast nursery method following 0-9 standard evaluation scale for rice blast (SES IRRI, 1996) under field condition during 2018. Based on the disease reaction, all the lines were all categorized into different categories. Among all the 46 lines, 3 lines (Manipur-Rϋ, Mekrϋ-Rϋ and Lokhomu) showed Highly Resistance, 13 lines were resistance, 23 lines were Moderate resistance, 5 lines were Moderately Susceptible and 2 lines (Temesϋng Tsϋk and SARS 14) were susceptible to rice blast. However, none of the lines were reported under Highly Susceptible category.
HORTICULTURE
Nutritional characterization of underutilized vegetable crops
Underutilized crops have been found to contained phenols ranging between 0.30mg/g (Elatosterma sp) to 6.00mg/g (Herpertospermum operculatum). Antioxidant activity (CUPRAC) value ranged between 1.10mg/g – 8.40mg/g with
Plukenetia corniculata recorded highest (8.40mg/g), followed by Herpertospermum operculatum (8.40mg/g) and lowest in Diplanzium esculentum (1.10mg/g). Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay values ranged from 0.10mg/g – 1.90/g with Herpertospermum operculatum recorded highest (1.90mg/g) and lowest in Elatosterma sp (0.10mg/g).
The edible parts of all plants contain minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium and copper in varying concentration. The highest concentration of Iron (Fe) was present in Cynoglossumsp (9.40/100g) and in Diplanzium esculentum(1.86mg/100g). Zinc (Zn) concentration ranged between 0.27g/100g (Litsea citrata) to 3.36g/100g (Plukenetia corniculata). A
sufficient amount of Cu was present in the plants ranged between 0.07g/100g – 0.40g/100g and among them, Diplanzium esculentum contained the highest (0.40g/100g) followed by Clerodendrum glandulosum (0.38g/100g) and Piper pedicellatum (0.37g/100g).The Magnesium (Mg) concentrations of the plants studied ranged between 1.34/100g –50.50/100g. The highest amount of Mg was found in Herpertospermum operculatum (50.50/100g).
A very good quantity of Mg was also present in Piper pedicellatum (23.70g/100g) and Zanthoxyllum rehetsa (15.88g/100g). Consumption of these plants locally available therefore can help in better growth and health issues of the indigenous people.
Table 2. Total antioxidant activity and mineral composition of underutiulized crops of North Eastern Region, India
Crops Phenol
(mg/g) Cuprac
(mg/g) Frap (mg/g) Fe
(mg/100g) Zn
(mg/100g) Cu
(mg/100g) Mg (mg/100g)
Gynura cusumbua 1.00 1.90 0.30 2.84 0.59 0.34 10.19
Centella asiatica 1.70 3.40 0.60 5.30 1.25 0.19 4.26
Diplanzium esculentum 0.80 1.10 0.30 1.86 1.49 0.40 3.86
Garcinia cowa 1.60 2.10 0.30 4.03 1.58 0.08 3.86
Eryngium foetidum 1.30 2.50 0.50 7.51 1.60 0.20 4.65
Zanthoxyllum
rehetsa 2.90 3.70 0.90 4.44 1.21 0.26 15.88
Hauttinia cordata 2.10 3.50 0.80 2.51 0.58 0.12 4.99
Clerodendrumgla
ndulosum 3.50 4.90 1.50 3.31 1.04 0.38 12.83
Herpertospermum
operculatum 6.00 8.00 1.90 7.19 2.39 0.34 50.5
Plukenetiacornicu lata 3.00 8.40 1.10 7.98 3.36 0.19 5.49
Cynoglossum sp 3.40 3.60 1.20 9.40 0.52 0.17 1.73
Piper pedicellatum 3.70 6.20 1.10 3.70 1.09 0.37 23.7
Litsea citrata 4.10 5.30 1.40 2.87 0.27 0.07 2.13
Elatosterma sp 0.30 1.50 0.10 2.31 1.99 0.09 1.34
Standardization of Naga King Chilli cultivation for out of season production
The performance of Naga king chilli was evaluated under different protective structures at different sowing time during September and October with different nutrient doses. The plants grown under polyhouse treated with Poultry manure @2.5 t/ ha+
RDF (25%) and FYM @ 10t/ha+ RDF (50%) showed
significantly higher results with respect to various growth and yield attributes.
Effect of different growing media on germination and vegetative growth for nursery production in Naga king chilli
The effect of different mixture of growing media viz. sand, soil, FYM, vermicompost, cocopeat, Poultry manure, wood ash, pig manure, perlite and
vermiculite was studied on germination, seedling growth and vigour of local Naga king chilli seedlings.
The study revealed a significantly higher germination percentage of seeds (19.53 %, 93.94% and 90 % at 15, 30 and 45 DAS) and uniform seedling production in a mixture of cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (3:1:1). Treatment comprising of mixture of soil + vermicompost + sand (1:1:1) showed significantly higher seedling growth and vigour at 30 and 45 DAS respectively.
Value-addition and entrepreneurship development through Naga king chilli pickles and sauces
Value added products such as king chilli sauces and pickles is a remunerative option during peak season in order to tackle the post harvest losses and enhance shelf life of the produce. Naga King chilli pickles and sauces with a cost benefit ratio of 1:1.43 and 1:1.28 respectively, were developed and various hands training were imparted to rural/ unemployed youths, farmers and SHG’s for entrepreneurial activities in this sector.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Effect of feeding linseed oil on fertility of pig under sub-tropical condition of Nagaland
The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproductive efficiency of boar in summer season. Boars (Group-I) were fed breeder’s ration with supplementation of 90 ml of linseed oil containing 53% omega-3 fatty acid for 16 weeks from May to August months. Control animals (Group-II) were fed with same diet except canola oil in place of linseed oil for making the diet isocaloric. Semen was collected twice a week by glove hand technique.
Semen quality parameters of boars that received
supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid shows significant (p<0.05) improvement over the control group from third week onwards. Total semen volume varied from 350±4.74 ml to 360±5.82 ml in group-I compared to 225±4.57 ml to 275±4.96 ml in group-II.
Total sperm per ejaculate were significantly (p<0.05) higher in group-I compared to group-II (136.25±1.74 to 146.12±3.56 versus 121.71±2.15 to 135.24±2.15 million per ml). Other semen parameters were also showed the same trend. Farrowing percentage of 84% was obtained after artificial insemination with semen of group-I compared to 74% with semen of group-II. Boar semen is generally diluted so that one AI dose contains 2-3 billion spermatozoa. Feeding of omega-3 fatty acid significantly increased the volume and numbers of spermatozoa available for AI, thereby, increased the number of potential AI dose.
Poultry Seed Project, ICAR Nagaland Centre The Parent stock of Vanaraja and Srinidhi variety of chicken were maintained at ICAR, Nagaland Centre. During the year 2018, a total of numbers of 196379 eggs were produced out of which 112549 chicks were hatched at the hatchery unit of the Centre. Altogether 111321 chicks were distributed to the 1187 beneficiaries belonging to various parts of Nagaland state as well as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam at a subsidized rate. The production performance of Vanaraja and Srinidhi parent line for the year 2018 were also recorded which is shown in table No.3. The performance of Srinidhi was better in terms of egg production compared to Vanaraja. However, both line showed survivability of 85 to 95% in different climate of Nagaland. Hatchability on fertile egg was recorded highest (76.29%) in Vanaraja.
Table 3. Production performance of different parent stock during the year 2018.
Breed Egg
produced Total
Egg set Fertile
Egg set Chicks
hatched Fertility
% Hatchability
on TES % Hatchability on FES %
Srinidhi (Batch IV) 6922 8598 6856 4967 79.73 57.76 72.44
Srinidhi (Batch V) 27029 22692 18703 12857 82.42 56.65 68.74
Vanaraja (Batch X) 51583 55786 45256 34530 81.12 61.69 76.29
Vanaraja ( Batch XI) 110845 99984 81504 60195 81.51 60.20 73.85
TOTAL 196379 187060 152319 112549 81.19% 59 % 72.83%
Table 4. Body weight record of Vanaraja and Srinidhi Parent line
Age Vanaraja Male Vanaraja female Srinidhi Male Srinidhi Female
Initial 37.65 36.83 39.45 33.3
1st week 86.85 80.16 114.6 53.96
2nd 194.85 144.63 246.7 106.63
4rd 382.6 280.56 401.4 214.56
6th 576.35 435.7 836.9 371.1
8th 845.9 635.63 1097.45 570.33
10th 1141.5 859.46 1234.3 615.66
12th 1087.4 929.26 1648.25 866.23
14th 1449.6 1070.2 1981.25 924.3
16th 1875.35 1375.86 2061.65 1055.26
18th 2193.7 1604.26 2264.65 1181.33
20th 2294.8 1715.46 2550.8 1127.06
Mega Seed Project on Pig, ICAR Nagaland Centre Parent stock of Ghungroo and crosses of Ghungroo and Hampshire breeds of pigs were maintained under the project. A total of 581 piglets were farrowed, of which 418 piglets were distributed to the beneficiaries, NGOs, KVKs, and GOI sponsored programs in all the districts of Nagaland and neighboring districts of Assam, Arunachal and Meghalaya. The coverage area for artificial insemination (AI) was also expanded. The excellent result of AI at field level was maintained in the reporting year. At the farm level the farrowing rate and average litter size were 53.9% and 8.42 piglets, respectively following double insemination. At the farmers’ level, the conception rate was 81.99%
with an average litter size of 9.03 piglets. Around 4500 piglets of improved breed were produced in the farmer’s field through artificial insemination. In many villages of Nagaland, especially in southern Angami areas of Kohima and in Phek district, Artificial insemination has been initiated for the first time with successful results and many farmers are availing this technology through MSP-Pig, ICAR Nagaland Centre Medziphema.
FISHERIES
Breeding and larval rearing of selected indigenous ornamental fishes of Nagaland.
Three species, Botia, Schistura and Garra were collected and acclimatized in aquarium and FRP tank for their survival ability and adaptability in captive condition prior to undertaking breeding trial.
Growth Performance trial of carps in polythene lined Rain water harvesting structure:
Culture method of Indian Major carps and Exotic carps in polythene lined rain water harvesting structure was standardized. Five species viz. Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Common carp and silver carp were stocked in the ratio 30:20:20:10:20 respectively maintaining a stocking density of 5000 nos./ha. The fish were stocked after the onset of monsoon and once the pond was filled with water and was reared for 6 months. The fish were fed with supplementary diet @ 2-3 % of total body weight. The highest average gain in weight was observed in Mrigal (700 g) followed by common carp (650 g), silver carp (400 g), Rohu (350 g) and catla (225 g).
Study on the Ichthyo-diversity of River Chathe Documentation of the ichthyo-diversity of River Chathe was undertaken and so far 12 species belonging 9 genera viz. Badis (2), Schistura (2), Garra (1), Barilius (2), Lepido cephalichthys (2), Rasbora (1), Pethia (1) and Danio (1) has been documented.
Badis sp.
Paracanthocobitis botia Schistura sp.
Badis sp.
Lepidocephalichthys sp.
Barilius bendelisis